Understanding the Core Beliefs and Structure of Islam
Islam is an Abrahamic monotheistic religion founded by Muhammad in the 7th century CE, centered around the Quran, which Muslims believe to be the verbatim word of God. With approximately 1.9 billion followers, Islam is the second-largest religion globally, after Christianity. The core beliefs include the oneness of God (tawhid), the finality of Muhammad as a prophet, and the importance of following the Five Pillars of Islam: the declaration of faith (shahada), prayer (salah), almsgiving (zakat), fasting during Ramadan (sawm), and pilgrimage to Mecca (hajj). Islam also emphasizes the significance of the Day of Judgment, where individuals will be held accountable for their deeds. The religion is divided mainly into two branches, Sunni and Shia, which differ in beliefs regarding leadership and interpretation of teachings.
What are the main beliefs of Islam?
Muslims believe in the oneness of God, the finality of Muhammad as the prophet, and the teachings of the Quran. They also adhere to the Five Pillars of Islam, which include faith declaration, prayer, almsgiving, fasting, and pilgrimage.
How many followers does Islam have?
Islam has approximately 1.9 billion followers, making it the second-largest religion in the world after Christianity.
What are the major branches of Islam?
The two main branches of Islam are Sunni, which comprises about 85-90% of Muslims, and Shia, which includes approximately 10-15% of the Muslim population.